Solar panels: modelling and data analysis

In this maths topic students will explore the modelling and data analysis behind the Land Rover BAR team's solar panel array during the 35th America's Cup. Over two lessons, they will use the blueprint of the base’s roof to design the array and analyse real data to evaluate the energy produced.

Use the film to discuss the motivations behind the team’s decision to install solar panels, the impact it has and the ways they monitor its efficiency and effectiveness.

The resources in BT STEM Crew can be used either in sequence or flexibly.

FILM

This film introduces the use of solar panels as a renewable, sustainable way of producing electricity. Using Land Rover BAR’s 35th America's Cup base in Portsmouth, it explores the factors surrounding choosing and installing solar panels. This includes the modelling required to maximise the area covered by solar panels and the data analysis that is used to understand the technology’s effectiveness and impact.

LESSON 1

During the construction of the Land Rover BAR base for the 35th America's Cup, a solar panel array was designed and installed. Students put themselves in the shoes of a Renewable Energy Consultant to design a solar array for the roof of the base.

LESSON 1: WORKSHEET 1

LESSON 1: WORKSHEET 2

LESSON 1: WORKSHEET 3

BASE BLUEPRINT

LESSON 2

The Land Rover BAR base has a fantastic solar array on the roof. To ensure they understand how well it works under different conditions, students help them analyse the data they have collected about the amount of electricity produced.

Interpret, analyse and compare the distributions of data sets from univariate empirical distributions

GCSE Mathematics

AQA

S2 Interpret and construct tables, charts and diagrams, including frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts and pictograms for categorical data, vertical line charts for ungrouped discrete numerical data, and know their appropriate use

Interpret, analyse and compare the distributions of data sets from univariate empirical distributions

Edexcel

S2 Interpret and construct tables, charts and diagrams, including frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts and pictograms for categorical data, vertical line charts for ungrouped discrete numerical data, tables and line graphs for time series data and know their appropriate use